Right on time (2,3,3) Crossword Clue
Answer: ON THE DOT (8 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "Right on time (2,3,3)" with 8 letters is "ON THE DOT".On the dot means exactly at the specified time, with no delay. It is commonly used to describe punctuality, indicating that something occurs precisely when expected, like arriving at a meeting or event exactly on schedule.
Why “On The Dot” Fits
The clue asks for a phrase (2,3,3) meaning “right on time.” The answer, ON THE DOT, fits perfectly:
- Right on time: On the dot is a familiar idiomatic phrase used to mean exactly at the specified time, matching the clue’s definition precisely.
- Direct match: With eight letters arranged as (2,3,3), on the dot fits the enumeration exactly.
- Precise meaning: The phrase expresses punctuality or exact timing, describing something that occurs neither early nor late but perfectly on schedule.
The phrase on the dot is a well-established English idiom rooted in everyday and professional contexts:
- Origin and usage: First recorded in the late 19th century, on the dot likely originates from the image of a clock’s hand pointing directly to the minute mark (the “dot”), symbolising precision.
Contexts:
- Everyday punctuality: “The meeting starts at nine on the dot.”
- Formal timing: “The train departed on the dot of six o’clock.”
- Metaphorical use: Used figuratively to describe exactness beyond time — “He completed the task on the dot.”
Examples:
- “Dinner will be served at eight on the dot.”
- “The show began on the dot, without a single delay.”
- “She arrived on the dot, proving how punctual she always is.”
In quick crosswords like “Right on time (2,3,3),” clues that describe exact timing almost always point toward idiomatic expressions:
- Definition: The phrase “right on time” leads to on the dot by direct logical meaning.
- Expectation of a phrase: The enumeration (2,3,3) suggests a common idiom or expression rather than a single word.
- Competing expressions like on time (2,4) or to the dot (2,3,3 — less idiomatic) fail to capture the full linguistic precision implied by “right on time.”
- Crossword solvers recognize on the dot instantly as a classic, everyday phrase representing perfect punctuality — succinct and idiomatic.
